Recommend a 38 snubby SD load

RGMoore

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Sorry if this has been asked and answered but I searched and couldn't find a thread that addressed this. What is your preference for a 38SPC SD load out of a 2 inch revolver? I've had Gold Dot, Golden Sabre and Hornady Critical Defense all recommended with +P and standard velocity.
Has anyone done or seen any tests? I would like to get some facts, not just opinions.
Thanks!
 
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Also look at the offerings from Buffalo Bore. His standard velocity loading is very popular in the 158gr as well. He has a new HD loading that also looks very good. I carry the SB Gold Dot .135gr in my M&P 340 and like it.

Tom
 
Speer Gold dots and 135 grain short barrel are both good.

I like Federal NyClad too. Its supposedly available again, but I can't find any locally. Regards 18DAI
 
I like Federal NyClad too. Its supposedly available again, but I can't find any loca

Ammo To Go, often has the Federal Nycad's for sale. It does tend to sellout quickly though.
 
I have been shooting for 45 years, and in that time there have been 45 "NEW/IMPROVED/BEST EVER/ONE SHOT SHOP MIRACLE" rounds to hit the market. I shoot in my 2" Smiths 148 gr wadcutters. I decided decades ago that rather than play 'keep up with the new wonder round' to stick with a round that puts a nice perfect circle whole through what I hit.
 
I like the 135 Grain Short Barrel specialty loads myself. I even use it in a Ruger .357 SP-101 as it has plenty of zip and shoots to POA with my revolver.
 
There are so many very fine self-defense .38 loads on the market today that naming one or two is difficult. The best advice I can give -- try a few and pick one that shoots to point-of-aim from your gun. Then, relax.
 
I carry the 135gr SB-GDHP in my 642. I also like the Federal Nyclad for a low-recoil standard pressure load. Both loads have a good track record in actual shootings.

However, Pisgah has probably the best advice. Pick a few that interest you and see which ones you shoot best. The most important thing is that you're able to hit quickly and accurately with your gun and ammo selection.
 
+1 on what just about everybody has said above, we all have our favorites. I prefer the lighter slugs as the recoil is a bit milder....not necessarily on my behalf but for the little lady. You will often find me loaded-up with wadcutters as well. I don't jump-on the hottest thing going either. I think 95 percent of the fight is actually having the mental fortitude (guts) to be able and pull the trigger on another human being.
 
The top three loads most recommended are Cor-Bon 110 gr. DPX, Speer 135 gr. GDHP, and the 158 gr. +P Lead Hollowpoint "FBI Load" by Remington, Federal, and Winchester.

I prefer Federal's version of the FBI load, which is available from Ammunition To Go for a very good price. For use in Speed Strips, I prefer the Cor-Bon DPX round for ease of loading.

My wife's 642 is loaded with Black Hill's 148 gr wadcutter. Very low recoil and excellent penetration. Highly recommended where low recoil or a standard pressure load are needed.
 
Sorry if this has been asked and answered but I searched and couldn't find a thread that addressed this. What is your preference for a 38SPC SD load out of a 2 inch revolver? I've had Gold Dot, Golden Sabre and Hornady Critical Defense all recommended with +P and standard velocity.
Has anyone done or seen any tests? I would like to get some facts, not just opinions.
Thanks!

Depends on which gun you're using.

For the lighter guns, the 125gr Gold Dot standard pressure or 148gr wadcutter are ones to consider.

For the heavier guns, the 135gr Gold Dot or 110gr DPX.
 
I feel like I've heard of the Corbon DPXs having a few issues, but those may have been resolved. Speaking generally, the barnes bullets give you the deepest penetration of almost any bullet out there, in any load, because they don't fragment.

But to second what most others have been saying:
Federal 125 Nyclad--old but proven performer, low recoil

158 grain FBI load--old but proven performer, moderate recoil, probably won't get much expansion but you'll get penetration, which for most tactical use is more important

Speer 135 Gold Dot--probably the newest load that is also the most proven of any new "wonderbullet" load. Lots of LEOs using. Good expansion and good penetration. Probably your safest bet, performance wise. Bit more snap than the Nyclads but not very much. Look for these in the 50 pack for LEOs rather than the 20 pack for civilians, you might have to go online to do it, but it's 50% cheaper.

I like to go with stuff that has a track record, rather than the newest wonderbullet that might not penetrate or otherwise might do something odd.

PS I've heard good stuff about the Buffalo Bore as well.

Whatever you do, just don't buy some lightweight superfragmenting wonderbullet that won't give you the penetration you need.
 
CorBon DPX +P 110 grain & Federal Nyclad standard pressure for me.
 
What I have used:

Buffalo Bore 158gr .38+P LSWCHP

Winchester 130gr PDX1 bonded .38+P

Speer Gold Dot short barrel 135gr .38+P

The Buffalo Bore stuff feels like a .357 touching off...and has the chrono speeds to prove it!
 
Federal Nyclads in lw J-frames and either those or Gold Dots in steel versions. My 340 does work pretty well with the Gold Dots, however.

Personally, I grew out of the hottest they can handle camp maybe three decades ago and was ecstatic when Federal brought back the 125 gr standard pressure Nyclads. I was running low; and the fact they did bring it back should probably speak for itself.
 
speer gold dot .38 spl +p 135 gr.
winchester 148 gr standard pressure lead target wadcutter X38SMRP
federal wadcutter GM38A

BUG's: .380 ACP vs. .38 Sp, m4carbine.net/, Industry Professional, DocGKR
 
Speer 135 Gold Dot--probably the newest load that is also the most proven of any new "wonderbullet" load. Lots of LEOs using. Good expansion and good penetration. Probably your safest bet, performance wise. Bit more snap than the Nyclads but not very much. Look for these in the 50 pack for LEOs rather than the 20 pack for civilians, you might have to go online to do it, but it's 50% cheaper.

It's funny to think that we call a bullet design (Gold Dot) that has been out for near 20 years and, specifically, the 135gr short barrel load, that has been out for almost ten years as a "new" option. :)
 
Not an expert and haven't experimented with the various loads but the 135 GDHP works good in 642's. Haven't chronoed or penetration tested but shoots to POA at reasonable distances.
 
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